‘The Herbal Bed’ by Peter Whelan
‘The Herbal Bed’ by Peter Whelan
Director: Steve Smith
Production Manager: Wendy Elliott
Designer: John Ellam
Production dates: Monday 12th to Saturday 17th April 2027
AUDITION
Saturday 10th October 2026, 10.00am – 1.00pm, Talisman Theatre
Rehearsals will begin on Sunday 21st February 2027 and will take place on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Please note: you must be available for every rehearsal from Sunday 28th March onwards.
ABOUT THE PLAY
This beautifully written emotional thriller, set in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1613, is based on a true story involving William Shakespeare’s eldest daughter, Susanna. First produced by the RSC in 1996, the original cast featured both Joseph Fiennes and David Tennant.
Susanna is married to John Hall, a highly respected physician and herbalist – you can still visit his house and garden, Hall’s Croft, in Stratford-upon-Avon. A student, Jack Lane, accuses Susanna of having a sexual liaison with Rafe Smith, a neighbour and family friend.
Although Jack later withdraws the accusation, Susanna sues for slander in the court of Worcester Cathedral. John Hall, who is desperate for Susanna to clear her name in order to save his medical practice, gives her his full support.
Against a backdrop of divisions within the Church, the play explores the very modern phenomenon of people’s private lives being held up to the intense glare of public scrutiny, where the outcome is far from certain.
ROLES
All roles are available. Ages shown are “acting ages” and, in some cases, may be negotiable.
John Hall – A very upright, perhaps puritan, physician. Playing age 40s/early 50s.
Susanna Hall – John’s emotionally frustrated wife, who is also an important help in his medical practice. Playing age late 20s/early 30s.
Elizabeth Hall – The young daughter of John and Susanna. A young-looking girl who is actually aged 10–12 would be preferred.
Hester Fletcher – Servant and nursemaid. Hester is not a cipher or a typical maid’s role. Playing age 20s.
Rafe Smith – Haberdasher, neighbour and family friend of the Hall family, trapped in an unhappy marriage. Playing age 30s/early 40s.
Jack Lane – A rather bumptious young nobleman studying medicine with Dr Hall, although not very committed to it! Playing age 20s.
Bishop Parry – Bishop of Worcester – perhaps a little bit of a stereotypical bishop! Playing age 50s/60s.
Barnabus Goche – Vicar General of the Worcester Diocese (Administrative Deputy to the Bishop). A self-important clever clogs! Playing age late 40s/50s.